However, this would all be in vain if the Opposition is unable to ensure a straight fight, according to political analyst Dr Ahmad Atory Hussain.
“I feel there will be an impact in Sabah,” the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) lecturer said, noting this was if the Opposition was united.
“In Sabah, there are local issues that the Opposition can play on, for instance the influx of immigrants in the state and intrusion by terrorists in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).”
The new party will reportedly have a multiracial image, with local activists.
Another political analyst, Associate Professor Arnold Puyok, from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UMS), said it was too soon to say whether the party will draw the people of Sabah.
“The impact is uncertain. This is because we are not sure how many will join Shafie’s party. It is too soon to say but interesting to watch.”
Unlike politics in the peninsula, BN’s domination in Sabah is constantly being challenged by multiracial Opposition parties.
There are more than 40 ethnic groups in Sabah, which are broken into 200 smaller groups, with their own language, culture and beliefs.
Some 26 per cent of Sabahans are those of the Christian faith.
On this aspect of the difference in political landscape between Sabah and the peninsula, Ahmad Atory believed the new party will move side by side with former Premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).
“Maybe the logo and party flags are different but the foundations of this new party will be in line with PPBM.
“Only thing is that Shafie will focus on Sabah and PPBM will focus on voters in the peninsula.”